IU fell behind 11-2 from the get go of its Big Ten battle in Champagn-Urbana against the Fighting Illini.

It was an early afternoon tipoff, and with the NFL conference title games on later, I figured I’d better get my trip to the grocery out of the way.

When I returned, I clicked on the telly, and there were the Hoosiers up 10.

So, I set to unpacking my vittles. When I next took notice of the game, about five minutes of game clock later, Illinois was up 9. I figured this game deserved my attention.

Which proved to be so. The Crimson & Crean came back again, going up one with under a minute to play, then setting a great trap for a steal and score to increase the advantage to 3, then closing out the home team, in front of the largest crowd ever for a game in C-U, 80-74.

Scintillating January conference action.

At 4-1 in the league, Indiana is tied with the Badgers and Hawkeyes  a half game behind newcomer Maryland.

* * * * *

Illinois is that big time school that seems like it should be more consistently a national contender, a status it has only approached a couple of times in the last half century.

Those boffo Chicago kids just haven’t traditionally wanted to pursue their college education downstate.

Third year coach John Groce seems ever the bridesmaid in recruiting battles.

I think I know why. And have a suggestion.

Get rid of the bright orange blazer.

No self respecting baller wants to play for a guy with such distasteful haberdashorial acumen.

* * * * *

The other scintillating tilt of the weekend, at least of the 40 or 50 I watched, was Georgetown’s takedown of Butler.

There were at least a dozen lead changes in the final quarter or so of the game. Neither squad backed down. It was one made bucket or another. Free throws converted. Neither team wavered.

Do I love college hoops or what?

* * * * *

The highest quality game I watched was Arizona’s home court W over Utah. The Wildcats gained the Utes measure, but that slab of Tuscon hardwood was no place for the meek.

Speaking of which, a fellow without a scintilla of meek in his bones happened to be the color commentator on the PAC 12 Network telecast.

Bill Walton, whose digressions easily match those of Dick Vitale. At one point, he started riffing on Bach’s left hand, morphing into the melodies of Tchaikovsky, ending up at Chopin.

At which point, his play by play partner Ted Robinson asked, “But can he defend the pick and roll?”

* * * * *

Two players you might not be familiar with, but should be are Delon Wright and Melo Trimble.

Wright’s the star of Utah, which remains tied for the league lead with its conqueror from last evening.

Trimble is the freshman star of the Terrapins, who stand alone atop the Big Ten.

* * * * *

Meanwhile Virginia, without stars, without razzmatazz, keeps on keeping on, taking care of BC in Beantown by 15.

As Kentucky keeps doing what Kentucky appears destined to do. Winning. The only guys who scored in double digits at Alabama were Ulis and Booker. They be reserves.

* * * * *

Today’s Final Four: Kentucky, Virginia, Iowa State, Wisconsin.

In Gonzaga, I still do not believe.

— Seedy K